What Companies Want to see in their Green Facilities

Companies continue to see the value in finding greener ways to do business. This means that many organizations may be looking for construction professionals who can help them design, build and renovate structures that would be worthy of the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

If construction professionals wish to become green building authorities, they could look into continuing education options, as well as work toward earning a LEED AP credential. Something else these individuals may want to do is take a look at companies that clearly have an interest in becoming more environmentally friendly organizations. This will allow them to see what types of green features some of today's biggest companies want to see in their facilities. Here are just three examples of businesses with buildings that recently received LEED certification:

Swisslog Healthcare Solutions
This provider of integrated logistics solutions for hospitals, warehouses and distribution centers, recently saw its North American headquarters in Denver, Colorado, receive LEED Silver Certification for Existing Buildings, a press release stated.

What this means, according to the USGBC, is that the facility puts an environmentally friendly spin on ongoing building operations, such as water and energy use, as well as waste stream management.
"LEED certification is the culmination of two years' effort in sustainability projects at Swisslog," said Mike Hoganson, Swisslog's president. "Our gains in operational efficiency and cost reduction provide a sound business justification for the stewardship programs we have in place as a result of our participation in the LEED program."

SKECHERS USA
SKECHERS sneakers often come in green, which is fitting, as the footwear manufacturer has an interest in keeping the planet healthy. This is apparent based on the fact that the company's 1.82 million square foot North American distribution center in Rancho Belago, California, recently earned LEED Gold certification, according to a press release.

The facility received LEED certification for multiple green features, including a warehouse ventilation system that makes use of outside air, energy-efficient hating and cooling systems, and 280,000 square feet of solar power generation systems that sit atop the distribution center's roof.
"SKECHERS is committed to growing its business in a way that conserves natural resources, protects the environment and reduces waste," said David Weinberg, the company's chief operating officer and chief financial officer. "In addition to efficiently distributing our product across North America, the SKECHERS Rancho Belago facility is an outstanding example of how large corporations can grow their business while also promoting Earth-friendly practices."

Whirlpool Corporation
Since its inception more than 100 years ago, Whirlpool Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of home appliances, has worked to make a positive impact on communities, according to Lee Utke, the company's senior director of global corporate real estate, as quoted by a press release. Whirlpool's commitment to communities continues with its new Riverview Campus in Benton Harbor, Michigan - the recipient of LEED Platinum certification.

The Riverview Campus serves as an example of what green construction can be. For example, nearly 15,000 tons of construction waste was kept out of landfills thanks to the fact that 95 percent of building materials and waste were recycled and reused. In addition, the facility is designed to save more than 147,000 gallons of interior water each year.

Other green features at the Riverview Campus include architecture that uses natural daylight and onsite electric charging stations to promote the use of fuel-efficient vehicles.

 Of course, these are just three companies that have recently received LEED certification for their facilities. With the right training, construction professionals may be able to help many more organizations do the same in the years ahead.